Social Intelligence: The Core Principle of Great Leadership
Discover the importance of social intelligence, how it differs from emotional intelligence, and why developing SQ will improve your ability to inspire people and become a better leader.
For centuries, the greatest minds have pondered the true definition of intelligence. Sternberg’s theory identifies intelligence as having three categories – practical, creative and analytical, while Einstein claimed, “The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.”
Whatever way you try and deem intelligence, it’s a cause for debate. Even the most “book smart” people may lack “common sense”.
Traditionally, we measure intelligence through IQ tests, but IQ doesn’t factor in certain aspects of intelligence that are key to leadership and coaching, such as emotional and social intelligence.
To give you a better idea of the subject, we’ll be taking a deeper look into the integral role of social intelligence in the quest to become an inspiring leader.
What Is Social Intelligence?
Social intelligence (SQ) is the ability to understand and interact with people. In basic terms, a person with SQ performs well in social situations. Social intelligence also demands having a good understanding of how you and other people function together. So, you can motivate, inspire and judge interactions effectively.
Someone with high social intelligence will:
- Possess good listening and conversational skills
- Leave positive impressions and uphold respectful reputations
- Be respectful to others
The modern concept of social intelligence was coined by Edward Thorndike in the 1920s, although the idea of SQ has long existed. A common term for SQ is given to someone in the sense of “having common sense” or “being street smart”.
Another term for social intelligence in psychology is deemed social facility. Social facility relates to behaviour after social awareness informs their actions.
Overall, SQ is dependent on social awareness and facility through exposure to social challenges, circumstances and environments.
The ability to understand, engage and communicate with others effectively is why social intelligence is key for leadership and coaching. We all know the best teachers at school weren’t just those who could communicate lots of valuable information. It was those who could inspire a classroom to love the subject they were learning.
Social intelligence is distinguishable through the – “S.P.A.C.E” formula.
- S – Situational/social awareness
Comprehending the context of a situation for yourself and others.
- P – Presence
The impression you leave on other people through behaviour.
- A – Authenticity
How honest and ethical are the values you live by, and how do they relate to your actions.
- C – Clarity
The capability of expressing ideas and communicating clearly.
- E – Empathy
How well do you build connections with others? Empathy in being beyond merely feeling for another person.
Any individual that works on these various characteristics will be better placed to inspire others and leverage greater assents of confidence in social situations.
How Does Social Intelligence Differ from Emotional Intelligence?
Social and emotional intelligence naturally intertwine due to the social-emotional conditions rooted in humanity. After all, we’re all social and emotional beings. So, improving our SQ by understanding people better includes some elements of emotional intelligence.
The main difference between social and emotional intelligence is:
- SQ is an ability to understand and interact socially.
- EQ is concerned with understanding emotions in ourselves and others.
According to Professor Howard Gardner, the difference between social intelligence and emotional intelligence can be defined through SQ being an interpersonal skill and EQ being an intrapersonal skill.
- Interpersonal – Defined as social relationships and communications.
- Intrapersonal – Defined as occurring or existing solely within the mind.
So, while social and emotional intelligence interconnects through qualities such as empathy and authenticity, SQ works internally and externally and EQ is solely internal.
How to Become Socially Intelligent
Being socially intelligent comes for some. It all depends on certain life experiences and relationships. However, it remains a skill requiring ongoing improvement and development.
High social intelligence is formed from both significant and day-to-day life experiences. These experiences can be both positive and negative, such as enjoying success or enduring failures.
SQ can also be learnt from encountering different personalities and includes fundamental social skills, such as getting on well with people and displaying appropriate behaviour in social environments.
Here are a few tips for developing social intelligence:
- Awareness – Take extra consideration to what and who is around you. SQ is about being socially observant.
- Listening – Practice active listening. This requires you to concentrate on what the person is saying and not just prepare a response (pseudo listening).
- Perspective – Expand your horizons by diversifying your understanding of different cultures, lifestyles and beliefs.
One way of learning how socially intelligent people operate is to try and think like one. Psychological approaches such as Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) enable people to improve their lives and reach their goals by analysing successful people they aspire to emulate.
Social intelligence can integrate into a person’s mind through psychological approaches like NLP to ultimately inform their behaviour before being applied to their work and life.
How Is Intelligence Related to Leadership?
While high levels of intelligence are associated with IQ and solo problem solving, the intelligence required for a leader is more diverse.
Fundamental levels of intelligence are required from any coach or leader. Otherwise, people wouldn’t believe in their process, strategies and overall competence. However, social and emotional intelligence is what plays a greater role in leadership intelligence.
Science shows highly intelligent people experience lower levels of satisfaction in social situations compared to people with a lower IQ. While certain aspects of leadership require the leader to work alone, if they’re going to be a good leader, they need to be able to connect with people.
So, if a leader or coach is to be successful, they must harness the ability to build strong relationships. Building a relationship with someone is improved immensely with a clear understanding of how people function. These core principles are what makes SQ the most vital feature of intelligence for any leader.
Continue Developing Your Social-Emotional Intelligence
As we now gather, all good leaders and coaches must have a decent level of social intelligence. The more socially intelligent someone is, the more they can build healthy relationships and motivate people.
At UKCPD, we offer a wide range of diverse courses for leadership, management and personal development. Our award-winning learning programmes can give you the skills and resources to improve your social intelligence.
Whether you aspire to become a life coach or take your organisation to new heights, our 20 years of experience will enhance your social intelligence and give you the tools to achieve your goals. Get in touch with UKCPD today and become that social authority you aspire to be.
